Custom EHR Integration Services for Your Healthcare Applications
Custom EHR integration services connect the applications your organization depends on, such as CRMs, patient portals, analytics platforms, and specialty tools, to the EHR where clinical data lives. Custom Healthcare Solutions handles the full application side: vendor access requests, data mapping, API development, embedded app workflows, write-back logic, and testing. Engine-level interface work is handled by our specialists at Mirth Support. We work with Epic, Oracle Health, athenahealth, eClinicalWorks, NextGen, and other EHRs. Most single EHR connections go live in 6 to 12 weeks. Tell us which EHR you use.
What Custom EHR Integration Services Cover
Connecting to an EHR involves more than writing code. Each vendor has its own access programs, approval processes, technical options, and restrictions on what external software can read or write. Custom EHR integration services manage that entire process, from confirming what's possible with your EHR to maintaining the connection after go-live. The goal is data that flows reliably into the applications your staff use, without disrupting clinical workflows.
Vendor Access and Approvals
Many EHR vendors require developer program enrollment, app registration, security review, or customer authorization before external software can connect. We manage those steps and track them alongside development timelines.
Read Integrations
Most custom applications need to read data from the EHR, such as appointments, demographics, encounters, or results. We identify the right access method and build reliable, scheduled or real-time retrieval.
Write-Back Integrations
Some workflows need to send data back into the EHR, such as intake answers, documents, or contact preferences. Write-back capabilities vary widely by vendor, so we confirm them early.
Embedded App Experiences
Some EHRs allow external apps to launch inside the clinician's workflow, with patient context passed automatically. Embedded apps reduce context switching and significantly increase adoption among clinical staff over time.
EHR Integration Methods We Use
EHR vendors offer different ways for outside software to exchange data, and most organizations end up using a combination. The right method depends on what your EHR supports, whether you need real-time or batch data, which direction data flows, and vendor fees or restrictions. We evaluate the options during discovery and recommend the most reliable approach for each data flow, rather than forcing everything through one method.
Vendor APIs
Modern EHRs offer REST APIs for specific data and actions. They're often the cleanest option for application-side integration, though availability, scope, and fees differ significantly by vendor and contract.
Standards-Based APIs
Certified EHRs provide standardized APIs for patient and population data under federal interoperability rules. These APIs make it easier to build integrations that work across more than one EHR vendor.
HL7 Interfaces
Many EHRs still exchange real-time clinical events, such as admissions, appointments, and results, through HL7 interfaces. These are configured in an interface engine by our specialists at Mirth Support.
Database Feeds and File Exports
Where APIs are limited, scheduled database extracts or secure file exports can supply reporting and analytics data. They're simpler but less real-time, so we use them where timing allows.
EHRs We Integrate With
Each major EHR has its own integration ecosystem, and experience with a specific vendor shortens timelines considerably. We've built application-side integrations for large health systems and independent practices across the most common platforms. Integration options also vary by version, hosting model, and your organization's contract, so we always confirm specifics during discovery rather than assuming what worked elsewhere will work exactly the same in your environment.
Epic
Epic offers developer programs, APIs, and HL7 interfaces, with access typically requiring customer sponsorship and approval. Timelines often depend on your organization's Epic team as much as on development effort. See Epic vs Oracle Health for custom development for a builder's comparison.
Oracle Health (Cerner)
Oracle Health provides APIs and interface options for connecting external applications. Access requirements and available data depend on your version and hosting arrangement, which we confirm upfront with your IT team. Our Epic vs Oracle Health comparison covers the differences for developers.
athenahealth
athenahealth offers a developer platform and marketplace with APIs covering scheduling, clinical, and financial data. It's often a strong fit for practice-focused applications that need real-time scheduling data access.
eClinicalWorks, NextGen, and Others
Ambulatory EHRs such as eClinicalWorks and NextGen each offer their own integration programs and interfaces. We assess options for any EHR your organization runs, including specialty-specific systems and older platforms.
Our EHR Integration Process and Timeline
EHR integrations fail most often because of vendor delays, unclear requirements, or insufficient testing, rarely because of code. Our process addresses each risk directly. A single EHR connection typically goes live in 6 to 12 weeks, although vendor approval processes can extend that. Our EHR integration pricing page explains how application-side work is billed for each connection, and our healthcare compliance and security page carefully covers PHI safeguards.
Discovery and Feasibility (Weeks 1–2)
We confirm which data your application needs, which methods your EHR supports, and what approvals or fees apply. You receive an integration specification, timeline, and fixed estimate for review.
Vendor Enrollment and Access (Weeks 1–6)
Vendor enrollment, sandbox access, and customer authorization start immediately, running in parallel with design and development so approval timelines don't delay the whole project unnecessarily. Weekly status updates keep everyone aligned.
Build and Test (Weeks 3–10)
Application logic, mapping, and error handling are built against the vendor sandbox, then tested with synthetic data. Clinical staff validate results in the receiving application before production cutover is scheduled.
Go-Live and Maintenance (Weeks 10–12)
Production cutover is scheduled to avoid clinical disruption. After launch, we monitor data flow, handle EHR upgrades, and adjust the integration when vendors change APIs or formats over time.
Related Integration Resources
More on connecting your EHR and applications.
Healthcare Integration Solutions
Application-side integration across your EHR, CRM, billing, and custom apps.
Epic vs. Cerner for Custom Development
API access, integration complexity, and what each platform means for your custom software project.
Healthcare Middleware Solutions
Routing, transformation, and orchestration between EHRs, CRMs, and custom apps.
Custom Healthcare CRM
Patient and referral relationship management connected to your EHR.
Frequently Asked Questions About EHR Integration Services
What are custom EHR integration services?
Custom EHR integration services connect your applications, such as CRMs, portals, analytics platforms, or specialty tools, to your EHR. They cover vendor access and approvals, choosing integration methods, data mapping, read and write-back development, embedded app workflows, testing, and ongoing maintenance when the EHR or vendor APIs change.
How long does EHR integration take?
A single EHR connection typically takes 6 to 12 weeks. The biggest variable is usually the vendor's approval process rather than development. Integrations requiring write-back, embedded apps, or several data types take longer. We identify approval requirements during discovery so they can start immediately.
How much does EHR integration cost?
Cost depends on the EHR, the integration method, data volume, whether you need write-back, and any vendor fees for API access or interfaces. A read-only scheduled feed costs far less than a real-time bidirectional integration. Discovery produces a fixed estimate that includes known vendor fees.
Can our custom app write data back into the EHR?
Often, but it depends on the vendor. Many EHRs allow writing certain data, such as documents, questionnaire responses, or demographics, while restricting clinical data. Write-back usually requires additional approval and testing. We confirm exactly what your EHR permits before designing workflows that depend on it.
Do we need our EHR vendor's permission to integrate?
Usually, yes. Most EHR vendors require app registration, developer program enrollment, or customer authorization before external software can access data, and some require security reviews. Your organization typically sponsors the request. Starting these steps early is the most effective way to keep integration projects on schedule.
Connect Your Apps to Your EHR
Request an EHR integration assessment, explore our healthcare software development services, or visit the Custom Healthcare Solutions homepage. For interface-engine and HL7 support, contact Mirth Support.